Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
I'm Alfie Ordinary, I'm a drag performer and theatre maker from Brighton
How would you describe your act?
Alfie is the son of a drag queen, so a drag prince, and he identifies as fabulous! He's happy, camp and… fabulous!
Your first full length solo show debuted at Brighton last year. What motivated you to write it?
I'd been developing the character of Alfie for about 2 years, and wrote the show in parts and was trying it out at cabaret shows. Then I stumbled across the idea of setting Alfie's world in a school, which became Madame LeCoq's Preparatory School for Fabulous Boys and the idea became a lot more solid. I then realised that I was touching upon something that I had a strong personal connection with, the coming of age, queer story, and I knew that Alfie's first show had to be about that.
You subsequently won the International Touring Bursary from The Pebble Trust during your Brighton Fringe run. How was that experience for you, and where did you tour?
It was incredible, and the journey is still going! Within a few months I flew off to Amsterdam to do a week run in the Compagnietheatre, one of the biggest arts centers in the country. And after this years Brighton Fringe I'm heading to Hollywood for their Fringe Festival, then San Diego Fringe, then Mexico Fringe! It's been amazing to say the least and I'm so grateful to Brighton Fringe and The Pebble Trust for giving me such a fantastic opportunity so share Alfie's message with more and more people!
In your press release it mentioned that this was your first solo show. Does this mean you have previously performed as part of a group? Could you tell us about that?
I've been doing cabaret shows for a few years now performing as part of a variety line up or as a host, but this is my first full length professional show.
Why have you decided to return to Brighton Fringe this year?
As part of the award from last years Fringe, I get free entry into this years, so I could bring this show or a different one to the festival. Last year my show was at the beautiful Marlborough Theatre, and although the run sold out, it was only two nights in an intimate space. So I wanted to do the show in a bigger space so more people could come, so The Spiegeltent kindly offered me 2 slots in their Bosco Theatre on the 1st and 2nd of June at 7:15. Although the story hasn't changed, I have since began working with a costume maker, Laura Nixon from Nixon Point, who has given the show a bit of a face lift. The costumes are better and the puppets are better!
Am I right in thinking 'Help! I Think I Might Be Fabulous' is going up to Edinburgh later this year. Will this be your first time performing at the Fringe?
Sadly I won't be doing Edinburgh Fringe this year. I've put all my efforts into the USA and Mexico festivals so by August I think I'll be all Fringed out. And Edinburgh clashes with Brighton Pride which I couldn't possibly miss!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Travelling and meeting people. Luckily I enjoy my own company and there's always a book to read or a film to watch for the long train journeys, but I also enjoy meeting loads of different and interesting people. The LGBTQ+ community is so welcoming. Wherever you are, you're made to feel at home.
Conversely, what has been the biggest difficulty you have overcome?
I'm very lucky living in Brighton, I can walk to a show in full drag and I have yet been faced with any problems, but sadly I still don't feel 100% safe when travelling further afield. Alfie's message is about being proud of who you, but queer people are still at risk of being attacked verbally and physically just for being who they are.
What inspired you to get into performing?
I've always performed in one thing or another. I started doing dance lessons when I was young and enjoyed drama at school. I can remember playing cowboys when I was younger and I would orchestrate a show rather than just letting everyone play. I remember rounding up all the parents at a campsite once to do a full Wild West Extravaganza show.
Who would you most like to work with?
I'd love to work with Lily Savage. I've actually written Paul O'Grady into the show as Alfie's favourite teacher. Perhaps one day there can be a cameo.
Where do you draw inspiration from when writing your shows?
I take a lot of inspiration from music. The show is punctuated with song, each chapter as such has a musical element, and then the writing works around that.
If you could tell 16-year-old you any one thing, what would it be?
What you think are your flaws now become what you are celebrated for later, just be you.
What advice would you give to any of our readers who might want to follow in your footsteps and enter the industry?
Do it! Be good at what you do and be proud of it! Oh and be nice too, always be nice.
Where can people catch your show?
At the Bosco Theatre in the Spiegeltent on the Old Stein at 7:15 on June 1st and 2nd.
And finally, where can people find you on social media?
Alfie Ordinary on Facebook, @alfieordinary on Twitter and Instagram. And I've just started playing with Youtube which is Alfie Ordinary.
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